26th July 2017

Someone once said that faith is like calories: you can’t see them, but you always notice their results. That is the major theme resonating through James’ letter — results! Faith produces works. And nowhere is that theme more passionately argued than in James 2:14 – 26. Let’s take a closer look.

Getting Started: Faith Takes Action

Take a few minutes to read through all of chapters 1 and 2 of James to ensure continuity in your mind as you begin. Remember: At times it’s helpful to read the same passage in multiple versions for comparison. Paying particular attention to James 2:14 – 26, make some initial observations about what you see — for

instance, are there any repeated words? Did James use any

connecting words that offer clues into what he was emphasizing? Take some time to make notes on a separate sheet of paper about what you discover.

Your Turn in the Scriptures

James began this section of his letter with a couple of questions: What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? (James 2:14, emphasis added) In typical form, James headed straight to the point by forthrightly demanding that his readers examine the vitality of their faith. Read through James 2:15 – 20. As you do, pay close attention to the progression of James’ argument. Scroll through the passage verse by verse. What did James list as strong indicators of an active faith?

One very effective means for strengthening a biblical point in preaching and teaching is to offer examples of people who’ve actually lived out the principle in life. It answers an inevitable question:

What does that look like?

James answered that question by highlighting two contrasting individuals in Old Testament history: Abraham, the father of faith, and Rahab, the prostitute from Jericho. James recounted specific examples of

faith in action from Abraham’s and Rahab’s lives. Take a few minutes to read James 2:21 – 25 and answer the following questions.

What two events in Abraham’s life did James highlight as examples of faith in action?

How would you use these two stories and this passage from James 2 to encourage someone struggling to believe that God could actually use his or her faith to accomplish something significant? What would you say?

Lord, I’m sorry my faith has seemed lifeless. Thank you for this powerful reminder that my faith without action is dead. Stir in me a willingness to live out all that I believe, and use me by Your Spirit to bring glory to Your name. Through Christ, I pray, amen.